4 - Understand Your Value - Value-Driven Donor Development

Understand Your Value

You need Adobe Flash Player to view some content on this site.

Outlining how your services match with the funder’s priorities will allow you to create a value statement. To create a value statement you should: Identify the funder’s priorities using their language; Describe the services you offer, allowing yourself to be creative in what you are able to do; and create a value statement that frames your value in a language the funder will connect with. Finally, be specific and realistic – a funder will not respond well if you promise more than you can deliver.

After you understand your target foundation’s priorities and concerns, determine how to position your services as a value-add that the funder wants to invest in.

You should be able to articulate why funding a particular set of services represents an opportunity for the funder. As a purely practical matter, funders are interested in hearing what you can do for them. Be able to clearly answer that question in the form of a value statement.

Outline how your services match with the funder's priorities to create a value statement.

First, identify the funder's priorities using their language, and dig as deep into their philosophy as you can. Describe the services you offer, allowing yourself to be creative in how you slice and dice your work. For instance, include work you could offer if you teamed with the right partner. Finally, create a value statement that serves as an opportunity to practice framing your value in language the funder will connect with. Be specific and realistic – a funder will not respond well if you promise more than you can deliver.

Use this template to align funders’ needs with your strengths and create a value statement.

Please download this helpful template to begin creating your own Aligning Their Needs with Your Strengths Table.

You need Adobe Flash Player to view some content on this site.